Paxson: Forman deserves to be NBA executive of the year

'He's done a tremendous job'

NEW YORK — On Sunday, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said John Paxson and Gar Forman should be executives of the year over the Heat's Pat Riley.

On Monday, Paxson offered his take to the Tribune.

"I truly appreciate what Stan said," he said. "But the right thing for other general managers to do if they choose to vote for the leadership of the Bulls' organization is to put Gar's name there. He's done a tremendous job. Gar has been carrying the duties of the day-to-day operations for us for two seasons now and I truly respect everything he has done to put us in the position where both the present and future are bright."

Team Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf promoted Forman to general manager on May 21, 2009. Paxson remained in his role as executive vice president of basketball operations but has assumed a more behind-the-scenes approach.

"We have a working dynamic that might be unusual considering how other organizations operate," Paxson said. "But it works for us because Gar and I have a similar vision on the type of team we want. It's proving to be successful. And in my opinion, Gar deserves to be the executive of the year."

Executives from all 30 teams cast one vote each for the prestigious award. Teams cannot vote for themselves. Besides Riley, the Nuggets' duo of vice president Masai Ujiri and President Josh Kroenke and Thunder general manager Sam Presti are expected to receive votes.